Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bellyache bush on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bellyache bush
Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly known as Flaide or Bellyache Bush, is a perennial shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family, valued for its dark purple, lobed leaves and small, bright red flowers. Its vibrant foliage and hardiness make it ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens, as a border plant, or as a standalone specimen in large pots. It brings an exotic and colorful touch with minimal maintenance.
Native range
Tropical Americas, including the Caribbean
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure to maintain the intensity of its leaf coloration. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is susceptible to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or slightly clayey soils. A common mistake is overwatering in winter, which can lead to root rot; it's best to drastically reduce watering during this season.
How to save a dying Bellyache bush
- Warning signs
- Yellow or dropping leaves, soft stems, leaf spots, little to no growth.
- First aid
- Move to brighter indirect light, check drainage, water only when soil is dry. Prune damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering. It's prone to root rot from soggy soil. Also, insufficient light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, often! Act quickly. If healthy stems remain, try propagation from cuttings to ensure survival.